Methods, computer program products, and systems for providing automated video tracking via radio frequency identification

ABSTRACT

Methods, computer program products and systems for providing video tracking. The method includes receiving a first signal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A location of the RFID tag is determined in response to the first signal. An image that includes the location of the RFID tag is recorded. The location of the RFID tag is marked on the image, resulting in a marked image.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/961,546, filed Dec. 7, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,460,754, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/468,310, filed Aug.25, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,210,365, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/255,269, filed Oct. 21, 2008, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,816,855, all of the above cited applications are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to video tracking, and moreparticularly to providing automated video tracking via radio-frequencyidentification (RFID).

RFID is a technology that allows for the automatic identification andtracking of items. A typical RFID configuration includes RFID tagsattached to objects, and one or more RFID readers for reading signalssent by the RFID tags. The signals may include a unique identifier forthe object and/or additional data about the object such as size, shape,type, weight, etc. In the case where the RFID tags are passive, theconfiguration also includes at least one RFID emitter to generate RFIDsignal to be sent to the RFID tags. The RFID signals are received byantennas on the RFID tags and include enough power to cause anintegrated circuit in the RFID tag to power up and transmit a responsesignal. This response signal is read by one or more RFID readers. OneRFID reader can be utilized to determine a two-dimensional location ofthe RFID tag, while two or more RFID readers can be utilized todetermine a three-dimensional location of the RFID tag. Typicalapplications of the RFID technology include inventory tracking,inventory management, and supply chain management.

Standard cameras (digital, film) are utilized to capture images thatinclude light in the visible spectrum, while full spectrum cameras areutilized to capture images that include light that is not in the visiblespectrum. A typical full spectrum camera captures infrared, ultravioletand visible light. One application of full spectrum photography is inforensics to emphasize non-visible materials (e.g., gun shot residue,fibers, etc.) that show up better in the ultraviolet and/or infraredspectrums. Both types of cameras may be used for security purposes byhaving a field of view focused on an area to be protected (with thecamera stationary or scanning).

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing video tracking. Themethod includes receiving a first signal from a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag. A location of the RFID tag is determined inresponse to the first signal. An image that includes the location of theRFID tag is recorded. The location of the RFID tag is marked on theimage, resulting in a marked image.

Additional exemplary embodiments include a system for providing videotracking. The system includes one or more RFID readers receiving one ormore signals from a RFID tag and determining a location of the RFID tagin response to the signals. The system also includes an image recorderconnected to the one or more RFID readers, the image recorder recordingan image that includes the location of the RFID tag. The system furtherincludes an image marker connected to the image recorder, the imagemarker marking the location of the RFID tag on the image, resulting in amarked image.

Further, exemplary embodiments include a computer program product,tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium, for providing videotracking. The computer program product has instructions for causing acomputer to execute a method, which includes receiving a first signalfrom a RFID tag. A location of the RFID tag is determined in response tothe first signal. An image that includes the location of the RFID tag isrecorded. The location of the RFID tag is marked on the image, resultingin a marked image.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toexemplary embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill inthe art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description.It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/orcomputer program products be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the exemplary embodiments, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGs.:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for providing videotracking using a full spectrum camera that may be implemented byexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system for providing videotracking using a standard camera that may be implemented by exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a process flow for providing video tracking that maybe implemented by exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a system for providing videotracking in a network environment that may be implemented by exemplaryembodiments.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments provide video tracking, including the ability fora camera to automatically locate and record images of objects ofinterest. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is attached toobjects of interest. A RFID reader connected to the camera (orintegrated into the camera) is utilized to receive RFID signals from theRFID tag. The RFID signals may provide an identifier for the object ofinterest as well information about the object (e.g., type, size, value).If the RFID tag is in the field of view of the camera, then a picture istaken that includes the RFID tag. If the RFID tag is not in the field ofview of the camera, then the camera is positioned (e.g., automatically)so that the field of view includes the RFID tag and then a picture istaken. The resulting image includes a marker (e.g., an “x”) thatidentifies the location of the RFID tag in the picture. In otherembodiments, the resulting image includes an overlay of an image of theobject on the picture. In this manner, objects of interest may belocated and tracked.

As used herein, the term “image recorder” refers to any device fortaking a single picture or a video, including, but not limited to astandard camera, a full spectrum camera, and a video recorder.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for providing videotracking using a full spectrum camera 102 that may be implemented byexemplary embodiments. According to exemplary embodiments, the system100 includes the full spectrum camera 102, video tracking software 116,an output mechanism 104, a positioning mechanism 106, an RFID reader114, an RFID emitter 108, and two objects 112 each having an RFID tag110. The full spectrum camera 102 is utilized for recording an image(single picture or video) that includes the visible spectrum as well asportions of the infrared spectrum and the ultraviolet spectrum. The fullspectrum camera 102 is an example of an image recorder.

In exemplary embodiments, the video tracking software 116, connected toor integrated with the full spectrum camera 102, directs the videotracking processing performed by the system 100.

In the example system 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the RFID tags 110 arepassive tags and the RFID emitter 108 is utilized to communicate withthe RFID tags 110 that are within range of the RFID emitter 108. Inresponse to receiving the communication from the RFID emitter 108, theRFID tags 110 power on and broadcast signals that are received by theRFID reader 114. The video tracking software 116 determines thelocations of the RFID tags 110 and determines if they are in the currentfield of view of the full spectrum camera 102. If they are in thecurrent field of view, then the full spectrum camera 102 takes a picturethat includes the location of the RFID tags 110. In exemplaryembodiments, if the RFID tags 110 are not in the current field of viewof the full spectrum camera 102, then the video tracking software 116directs the positioning mechanism 106 to move the field of view of thefull spectrum camera 102 to include the RFID tags. In exemplaryembodiments, if it is not possible for both of the RFID tags 110 to beincluded in the same image, then the video tracking software 116 directsthe full spectrum camera 102 to record two images, each including one ofthe RFID tags 110.

In exemplary embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 1, the signalsfrom the RFID tags 110 are in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum andtherefore, visible to the full spectrum camera 102. Thus, the imagerecorded by the full spectrum camera 102 includes a marking thatcorresponds to the RFID tags 110 and their corresponding objects. Inthese embodiments, the image marker is integrated into the full spectrumcamera 102. In alternate exemplary embodiments, the positions of theRFID tags 110 may be further enhanced on the image to show data aboutthe objects (e.g., data included in the response signals from the RFIDtags).

In exemplary embodiments, the marked image is output via the outputmechanism 104. Outputting includes, but is not limited to: storing themarked image on a storage device local to the full spectrum camera 102,storing the marked image on a storage device accessible via a network,printing the marked image, and transmitting the marked image to arequestor.

In exemplary embodiments, all or a subset of the full spectrum camera102, video tracking software 116, output mechanism 104, positioningmechanism 106, RFID reader 114, and RFID emitter 108, are integratedwith each other as a single physical component. In other exemplaryembodiments, the full spectrum camera 102, video tracking software 116,output mechanism 104, positioning mechanism 106, RFID reader 114, andRFID emitter 108 are stand alone components that are connected to eachother.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 1 is exemplary in nature and otherconfigurations may be implemented by exemplary embodiments that utilizethe full spectrum camera 102. For example, the system 100 may includetwo RFID readers 114 in order to determine three-dimensional locationsof the objects 112. The three dimensional locations may then be utilizedto set focusing controls (e.g., zooming) on the full spectrum camera 102before recording the image. In other embodiments, the full spectrumcamera 102 is not connected to a positioning mechanism, such as thepositioning mechanism 106, and the RFID tags 110 currently in the fieldof view of the full spectrum camera 102 are the only RFID tags that areincluded in the recorded image.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system 200 for providing videotracking using a standard camera that may be implemented by exemplaryembodiments. According to exemplary embodiments, the system 200 includesa camera 202, video tracking software 216, an image marker 210, anoutput mechanism 208, two RFID readers 204, an RFID emitter 206, and twoobjects 214 each having an RFID tag 212. The camera 202 is utilized forrecording an image that includes the visible spectrum and is an exampleof an image recorder.

In exemplary embodiments, the video tracking software 216, connected toor integrated with the camera 202, directs the video tracking processingperformed by the system 200.

In the example system 200 depicted in FIG. 2, the RFID tags 212 arepassive tags and the RFID emitter 206 is utilized to communicate withthe RFID tags 212 that are within range of the RFID emitter 206. Inresponse to receiving the communication from the RFID emitter 206, theRFID tags 212 power on and broadcast signals that are received by theRFID readers 204. The video tracking software 216 determines thelocations of the RFID tags 212 and determines if they are in the currentfield of view of the camera 202. Because there are two RFID readers 204,three-dimensional positions of the RFID tags 212 can be determined. Thisinformation may be utilized to set focus parameters on the camera 202(e.g., zoom, crop). If one or both of the RFID tags 212 are in thecurrent field of view, then the camera 202 records an image (e.g., takesa picture).

In exemplary embodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 2, the signalsfrom the RFID tags 212 are not visible in the image even if one or bothof the RFID tags 212 are located on objects captured by the image. Thevideo tracking software 216 directs the image marker 210 to mark anyRFID tag locations on the image based on the locations of the RFIDmarkers (determined in response to the RFID signals) and the field ofview of the camera 202 when it recorded the image. The marking could beas simple as an “x” on the image wherever there is an RFID tag 212, themarking could also include data about the object 214 associated with theRFID tag 212, or the marking could further include an overlay of theobject on the image. An overlay of the object on the image is useful fortracking objects that can easily fit in to locations such as pockets orbriefcases. The resulting image with the marking is referred to hereinas a “marked image”.

In exemplary embodiments, the marked image is output via the outputmechanism 208. Outputting includes, but is not limited to: storing themarked image on a storage device local to the camera 202, storing themarked image on a storage device accessible via a network, printing themarked image, and transmitting the marked image to a requestor.

In exemplary embodiments, all or a subset of the camera 202, videotracking software 216, image marker 210, output mechanism 208, RFIDreaders 204, and RFID emitter 206 are integrated with each other as asingle physical component. In other exemplary embodiments, the camera202, video tracking software 216, image marker 210, output mechanism208, RFID readers 204, and RFID emitter 206 are stand alone componentsthat are connected to each other.

The configuration depicted in FIG. 2 is exemplary in nature as otherconfigurations may be implemented by exemplary embodiments that utilizea standard camera 202. For example, the system 200 may include one RFIDreader 204 to determine two-dimensional locations of the objects 214. Inother embodiments, the camera 202 is connected to a positioningmechanism, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1, in order to position thecamera 202 before capturing the image.

In exemplary embodiments, not every object 214 with an RFID tag, such asthe RFID tag 212, is an object of interest and thus, the video trackingsoftware 216 screens out objects that are not of interest. In thismanner, the video tracking software 216 may focus on particular objects(e.g., expensive objects, difficult to replace objects, objects easilystolen). The identifiers and/or groups associated with particularobjects of interest may be specified by an administrator of the videotracking system. In addition, particular objects or types of objects maybe marked as items that are not to be tracked.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process flow for providing video tracking that maybe implemented by exemplary embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, theprocess flow depicted in FIG. 3 is facilitated by video trackingsoftware (e.g., the video tracking software 116, the video trackingsoftware 216). At block 302 in FIG. 3, a signal from a RFID tag (e.g.the RFID tag 110, the RFID tag 212) is received at a RFID reader, suchas the RFID reader 204 or the RFID reader 114. The RFID tag is attachedto an object and the signal includes data to identify an object (e.g.,the object 214, the object 112), and may include data describing theobject. At block 304, a location of the RFID tag is determined. Asdescribed previously, the location may be a two dimensional location ora three dimensional location depending on the number of RFID readersthat are included in the system.

At block 306 in FIG. 3, an image that includes the location of the RFIDtag is recorded by an image recorder (e.g., a standard video camera, thestandard camera 202, the full spectrum camera 102). As describedpreviously, in exemplary embodiments, the camera is repositioned ifrequired (e.g., via the positioning mechanism 106) so that the field ofview of the camera includes the RFID tag. At block 308, the location ofthe RFID tag is marked on the image, resulting in a marked image. Asdescribed previously, the marking may be performed by a separatecomponent (e.g., image marker 210) and/or the marking may be performedautomatically by the full spectrum camera 102. At block 310, the markedimage is output (e.g., to a user, to a storage device, to anothercomputer program) via an output mechanism (e.g., the output mechanism104, the output mechanism 210.

Exemplary embodiments may be utilized to provide security, for example,in a computer lab. The computer lab may contain expensive equipment thatis small in size. The objects of interest (e.g., expensive equipment)are tagged with RFID tags. RFID readers would read signals from the RFIDtags and adjust the security camera (continuously, periodically, inresponse to the object moving, in response to the object moving towardsthe exit) so that the object of interest is in the field of view of thecamera and so that the camera is focused on the object. An image is thenrecorded and marked with the location of the object. In this manner, theobject is tracked. If the object is not in clear view (e.g., in aperson's pocket), the object's location is still marked on the image sothat the location of the object may be tracked. This same type of set-upmay be implemented by a retail store to track items being sold.

Other exemplary embodiments may be implemented to assist in findingand/or tracking objects. In these embodiments, a user enters objectcriteria (e.g., size, type, identifier) and request the video trackingsystem to find the object(s). The video tracking system checks anysignals received from the RFID tags in its location and alerts the userif objects that meet the criteria are found. In exemplary embodimentsthe user enters the object criteria and receives the alerts via a userdevice.

This concept of finding and/or tracking objects can be expanded toinclude several locations. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of asystem 400 for providing video tracking in a network environment thatmay be implemented by exemplary embodiments. The system 400 includes oneor more user systems 402 through which users at one or more geographiclocations may contact a host system 404 to request that particularobjects having RFID tags become objects of interest at one or more videotracking system locations. In addition, the users may request access toan image database to view images taken at the video tracking systemlocations. The user systems 402 are coupled to the host system 404 via anetwork 406. Each user system 402 may be implemented using ageneral-purpose computer executing a computer program for carrying outthe processes described herein. The user systems 402 may be personalcomputers (e.g., a lap top, a personal digital assistant) or hostattached terminals. If the user systems 402 are personal computers, theprocessing described herein may be shared by the user system 402 and thehost system 404 (e.g., by providing an applet to the user system 402) orcontained completely on the user system 402.

The system 400 also includes one or more video tracking systems 100, 200that are connected to the host system 404 via the network 406. Thenetwork 406 may be any type of known network including, but not limitedto, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a globalnetwork (e.g. Internet), a virtual private network (VPN), and anintranet. The network 406 may be implemented using a wireless network orany kind of physical network implementation known in the art. The usersystem 402 may be coupled to the host system 404 through multiplenetworks (e.g., intranet and Internet) so that not all of the usersystems 402 are coupled to the host system 404 through the same network.One or more of the user systems 402 and the host system 404 may beconnected to the network 406 in a wireless fashion.

A storage device 408 may be implemented using a variety of devices forstoring electronic information. It is understood that the storage device408 may be implemented using memory contained in the host system 404 orthe user system 402 or the storage device may be a separate physicaldevice. The storage device 408 is logically addressable as aconsolidated data source across a distributed environment that includesthe network 406. Information stored in the storage device 408 may beretrieved and manipulated via the host system 404. The storage device408 includes application data such as an image database containing allor a subset of the images recorded by the video tracking systems 100,200. The storage device 408 may also include other kinds of data such asinformation concerning the updating and creation of the image database.In exemplary embodiments, the host system 404 operates as a databaseserver and coordinates access to application data including data storedon the storage device 408.

The host system 404 depicted in FIG. 4 may be implemented using one ormore servers operating in response to a computer program stored in astorage medium accessible by the server. The host system 404 may operateas a network server (e.g., a web server) to communicate with the usersystem 402. The host system 404 handles sending and receivinginformation to and from the user system 402 and can perform associatedtasks. The host system 404 may also include a firewall to preventunauthorized access to the host system 404 and enforce any limitationson authorized access. For instance, an administrator may have access tothe entire system and have authority to modify portions of the system. Afirewall may be implemented using conventional hardware and/or softwareas is known in the art.

The host system 404 may also operate as an application server. The hostsystem 404 executes one or more computer programs (e.g., the hostsoftware) to provide a user interface to direct the video trackingsystems 100, 200 and to access images recorded by the video trackingsystems 100, 200. Processing may be shared by the user system 402 andthe host system 404 by providing an application (e.g., java applet) tothe user system 402. Alternatively, the user system 402 may include astand-alone software application for performing a portion or all of theprocessing described herein. As previously described, it is understoodthat separate servers may be utilized to implement the network serverfunctions and the application server functions. Alternatively, thenetwork server, the firewall, and the application server may beimplemented by a single server executing computer programs to performthe requisite functions.

In exemplary embodiments, groups of RFID tagged objects make upconstellations. A constellation of RFID tagged objects may indicate alarger object such as, but not limited to a car, a human, a home, anoffice, and a store. A known or guessed constellation is of interest tothe video tracking system and the camera automatically tracks theconstellation as an object for auto focusing. If there are multipleconstellations known or guessed to be people or things in the picture,the camera may automatically zoom, crop, and focus to those groups andprovide a better picture. Constellations may be utilized to provideautomatic picture content tagging.

As described above, exemplary embodiments can be in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. Exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computerprogram code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such asfloppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded intoand executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus forpracticing the exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments can also bein the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in astorage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, ortransmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executedby a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatusfor practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on ageneral-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segmentsconfigure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present disclosure without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the presentdisclosure not be limited to the particular exemplary embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the presentdisclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theclaims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denoteany order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. areused to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use ofthe terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but ratherdenote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a marked image, the methodcomprising: recording, by an image recorder, an image that includes alocation of a radio frequency identification tag; and marking, by theimage recorder, the location of the radio frequency identification tagon the image, resulting in the marked image, wherein the marking isperformed by overlaying the location of the radio frequencyidentification tag identified on the image, wherein the image recorderrecognizes a first signal emitted from the radio frequencyidentification tag, wherein the first signal comprises an ultravioletsignal and the marking is performed by the image recorder based on thefirst signal, wherein the radio frequency identification tag is attachedto an object and the first signal includes data about the object, thedata comprising a type of the object, wherein the first signal isemitted by the radio frequency identification tag when the radiofrequency identification tag receives a radio frequency signal from aradio frequency identification emitter.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the data about the object further comprises a size of theobject.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the marking further includesoverlaying an image of the object on the image at the location, whereinthe overlaying at the location of the radio frequency identification tagis responsive to the data about the object.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining prior to the recording if a field ofview of the image recorder includes the location of the radio frequencyidentification tag; and positioning the image recorder so that the fieldof view of the image recorder includes the location of the radiofrequency identification tag in response to determining that the fieldof view of the image recorder does not include the location of the radiofrequency identification tag.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprising:focusing the image recorder on the object.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving an additional signal from an additionalradio frequency identification tag, the radio frequency identificationtag and the additional radio frequency identification tag making up aconstellation; and determining a location of the additional radiofrequency identification tag, wherein the image that is recorded furtherincludes the location of the additional radio frequency identificationtag.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: determining prior tothe recording if a field of view of the image recorder includes thelocation of the radio frequency identification tag and the additionalradio frequency identification tag; and positioning the image recorderso that the field of view of the image recorder includes the location ofthe radio frequency identification tag and the additional radiofrequency identification tag in response to determining that the fieldof view of the image recorder does not include the location of the radiofrequency identification tag and the additional radio frequencyidentification tag.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the image recorderis a video camera.
 9. A system for providing a marked image, the systemcomprising: an image recorder for recording an image that includes alocation of a radio frequency identification tag and for marking thelocation of the radio frequency identification tag on the image,resulting in the marked image, wherein the marking is performed byoverlaying the location of the radio frequency identification tagidentified on the image, wherein the marking is performed in response toreceiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag, whereinthe signal is an ultraviolet signal, wherein the radio frequencyidentification tag is attached to an object and the signal includes dataabout the object, the data comprising a type of the object, wherein thesignal is emitted by the radio frequency identification tag when theradio frequency identification tag receives a radio frequency signalfrom a radio frequency identification emitter.
 10. The system of claim9, wherein the radio frequency identification tag is a passive tag andthe system further comprises: the radio frequency identification emitterto activate the radio frequency identification tag, the activatingcausing the radio frequency identification tag to transmit the signal tothe image recorder.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the data aboutthe object further comprises a size of the object.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the marking further includes overlaying an image ofthe object on the image at the location, wherein the overlaying at thelocation of the radio frequency identification tag is responsive to thedata about the object.
 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising: apositioning mechanism for determining prior to the recording if a fieldof view of the image recorder includes the location of the radiofrequency identification tag; and positioning the image recorder so thatthe field of view of the image recorder includes the location of theradio frequency identification tag in response to determining that thefield of view of the image recorder does not include the location of theradio frequency identification tag.
 14. The system of claim 9, whereinthe radio frequency identification tag is attached to the object, forcausing the image recorder to focus on the object.
 15. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising: the image recorder for receiving anadditional signal from an additional radio frequency identification tag,the radio frequency identification tag and the additional radiofrequency identification tag making up a constellation; and the imagerecorder for determining a location of the additional radio frequencyidentification tag, wherein the image that is recorded further includesthe location of the additional radio frequency identification tag. 16.The system of claim 15, further comprising: the image recorder fordetermining prior to the recording if a field of view of the imagerecorder includes the location of the radio frequency identification tagand the additional radio frequency identification tag, and forpositioning the image recorder so that the field of view of the imagerecorder includes the location of the radio frequency identification tagand the additional radio frequency identification tag in response todetermining that the field of view of the image recorder does notinclude the location of the radio frequency identification tag and theadditional radio frequency identification tag.
 17. The system of claim9, wherein the image recorder is a video camera.
 18. A tangiblecomputer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions which, whenexecuted by a processor of an image recorder, cause the processor toperform operations for providing a marked image, the operationscomprising: recording an image that includes a location of a radiofrequency identification tag; and marking the location of the radiofrequency identification tag on the image, resulting in the markedimage, wherein the marking is performed by overlaying the location ofthe radio frequency identification tag identified on the image, whereinthe image is recorded by the image recorder that recognizes a firstsignal emitted from the radio frequency identification tag, wherein thefirst signal comprises an ultraviolet signal and the marking isperformed by the image recorder based on the first signal, wherein theradio frequency identification tag is attached to an object and thefirst signal includes data about the object, the data comprising a valueof the object, wherein the first signal is emitted by the radiofrequency identification tag when the radio frequency identification tagreceives a radio frequency signal from a radio frequency identificationemitter.
 19. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 18, whereinthe data about the object further comprises a size of the object. 20.The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the markingfurther includes overlaying an image of the object on the image at thelocation, wherein the overlaying at the location of the radio frequencyidentification tag is responsive to the data about the object.